Independence High School Shooting: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Like Us on Facebook!

Loving Heavy? Follow us on Facebook!

Two female students are dead after a shooting at a high school in Glendale, Arizona. The incident occurred on the morning of February 12 at Independence High School at around 8 a.m. ABC Phoenix reporter Justin Pazera tweeted that the two victims were sophomore students at the school. The shooting unfolded over a horrifying two minute period.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. A Gun Was Recovered Beside the Body of One of the Students

Both of the victims have died after being shot once each, reports ABC Phoenix. The network also says that the attack happened on the east side of the school. At a press conference later, police confirmed that one of the girls was the shooter. A gun was recovered by the body of one of the victims. There were no other students in the area around the shooting and cops don’t think there were any witnesses. The students were not transported to any local hospital, they were declared dead at the scene.

3. Police Are Not Releasing a Motive for the Shooting Yet

Glendale police said in a tweet that, “The incident was isolated. The school and neighborhood are safe.” There is no motive for the crime yet. It has not been confirmed as a murder-suicide.

There is a massive police presence being felt in the area with roads around the school closed. Live, aerial television coverage shows no urgent police or ambulance activity, giving the appearance that the situation has stabilized.

4. The Mayor of Glendale’s Daughter Went to Independence High School

(Screengrab via Fox Phoenix)

In a separate message, Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers said, “Our hearts go out to everyone at Independence High School this morning. We are standing by for information.” He later told the media, “This school has special meaning to me, my daughter when to this school. Tragedy hits close to home.”

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson wrote on Twitter, “Praying for the shooting incident in Glendale! 🙏🏾 #WeNeedMoreLoveInThisWorld #PrayersUp.” In an official statement, the school district said:

Independence High School was put on lock down this morning due to a police investigation. Police have secured the campus. There is no active shooter on campus.
The investigation is ongoing.

The campus remains on lock down and no one will be allowed to enter or exit the campus until the police have lifted the lock down and ensured the safety of the school.

Parents will be notified as soon as it is safe for students to be picked up from campus.

We will actively communicate with parents as more information is available.

5. There Are 2,000 Students Enrolled at the School

The entrance to Independence High School. (Google Street View)

The high school is part of the Glendale Union High School District, opening in 1977. NBC Phoenix describes the school as being in a “largely residential neighborhood.” According to Department of Education statistics the school is nearly 60 percent hispanic. There are just over 2,000 students enrolled.